New House member Fawson resigns N. Ogden council seat

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NORTH OGDEN - Justin Fawson resigned his city council post this week. Fawson recently was appointed to take over Ryan Wilcox's vacated post in state House District 7, and Fawson also intends to run for the open seat this fall.

Fawson thought he would have some more time on the council, but was called by Gov. Gary Herbert's office to meet with him and begin his legislative duties.

"We thought we would have Justin a little longer, but when the governor's office calls, you do what they tell you to do," Mayor Brent Taylor said in Tuesday night's city council meeting.

The city will be posting the opening and residents interested can apply for the open spot at the city offices. Taylor encouraged residents to check the website and the newspaper for when the spot will officially be open in the next couple of days. Residents will then have two weeks to apply. The council will then interview all candidates in an open city council meeting. A vote will be made to narrow the candidates to two, then another vote will be taken, Taylor said.

In his letter, Fawson said he wished he had given more notice so a replacement could be found before his resignation, but the mayor and council said they understood.

"It has been such a privilege to serve with all of you to meet the needs and expectations of our North Ogden residents," Fawson said in his letter.

At the council meeting all the council members, mayor and city manager paid Fawson high praise for his service on the council.

"I have a lot of respect and appreciation for Justin and I have learned a lot from his example. I will miss him," Councilwoman Cheryl Stoker said.

Taylor joked that he and Fawson didn't always see eye to eye on issues when they served on the council together, but that Fawson was always still a great guy to him.

"I think that will work well for you in the Legislature," Taylor said.

Fawson also paid high praise to residents and the city of North Ogden in general.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of North Ogden," Fawson said. He admitted to be thrilled to serving at the state level, but also feeling a little sad to miss the opportunities to serve his city. "I have tried to be a voice of reason and make decisions in the best interest of residents and I will do the same thing at the state level."